Head support device

ABSTRACT

Head support devices are described herein. The devices include a headband portion having a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, an inner surface and a outer surface, each of the inner surface and the outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, the inner surface being configured to rest against at least a portion of a user&#39;s head; a first loop coupled to the first end of the headband portion; and a second loop coupled to the second end of the headband portion. The first loop and the second loop are each configured to releasably couple to at least a portion of a seat. Methods of supporting a head against a seat are also described herein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/882,176 entitled “Head Support Device” filed Aug. 2,2019. The entire contents of this application is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to head support devices and morespecifically to head support devices for supporting a head while sittingin a seat.

BACKGROUND

Numerous types of head support devices have been previously developedthat can be wrapped around a user's head and are provided with anadjustable retention band or strap that can be releasably secured to,for example, the upright portion of a seat or a headrest to restrain theuser's head from bending forwardly or sideways when the user is nappingor sleeping.

Devices of the type described above may be useful for automobile orairline passengers to relieve stress or strain on the neck muscles ifthe head is permitted to incline forwardly or sideways over extendedperiods of time and which can often result in extremely sore or strainedmuscles.

There is a continuing need for head support devices that are adjustablefor different head sizes and different types of seats and headrests,particularly as encountered in different makes of automobile and airlineseats. Moreover, there is also a need for a head support that is soft,comfortable, compact, washable, can be easily stored and is adaptablefor use alone or in combination with other headwear.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a broad aspect, a head support device is describedherein. The device includes a headband portion having a first end, asecond end opposed to the first end, an inner surface and a outersurface, each of the inner surface and the outer surface extendingbetween the first end and the second end, the inner surface beingconfigured to rest against at least a portion of a user's head; a firstloop coupled to the first end of the headband portion; and a second loopcoupled to the second end of the headband portion. The first loop andthe second loop are each configured to releasably couple to at least aportion of a seat.

In at least one embodiment, the headband portion comprises an elasticmaterial to conform to at least a portion of a user's head.

In at least one embodiment, the elastic material includes one of anelastic, nylon, LYCRA® or spandex material

In at least one embodiment, a length of the headband portion isadjustable.

In at least one embodiment, the device also includes an adjustingmechanism to adjust the length of the headband portion.

In at least one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism includes at leastone of Velcro™, snaps, buttons, or the like.

In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the adjustingmechanism is coupled to the outer surface of the headband portion.

In at least one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism includes Velcrostraps including a hook portion and a loop portion, the hook portionbeing fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the headband portion andthe loop portion being configured to engage at least a portion of theloop portion and draw the loop portion medially towards the headbandportion to tighten the headband portion against at least a portion ofthe user's head.

In at least one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism includes a pluralityof snaps, each snap including a male portion and a female portion, oneof the male portion and the female portion being fixedly coupled to theouter surface of the headband portion and the other of the male portionand the female portion being fixedly coupled to one of the first loopand the second loop.

In at least one embodiment, the portion of the user's head is a foreheadof the user's head.

In at least one embodiment, the portion of the user's head includescovering at least a portion of the user's eyes.

In at least one embodiment, the headband portion is configured toinhibit light passing therethrough when the headband portion cover's theuser's eyes.

In at least one embodiment, the device also includes padding configuredto rest over the user's eyes.

In at least one embodiment, the first loop and the second loop areconfigured to releasably couple to a head rest portion of the seat.

In at least one embodiment, the first loop and the second loop are eachconfigured to releasably couple to a respective lobe of a head restportion of the seat.

In at least one embodiment, a method of supporting a user's head againsta seat is described herein. The method includes placing at least aportion of the user's head against an inner surface of at least aportion of a head support device, the head support device including aheadband portion having two opposed ends; twisting each opposed end ofthe headband portion of the head support device to form a loop; andreleasably coupling each loop to a seat to support the user's headagainst the seat.

In at least one embodiment, a method of supporting a user's head againsta seat is described herein. The method includes placing at least aportion of the user's head against an inner surface of at least aportion of a head support device, the head support device including aheadband portion having two opposed ends, a first loop coupled to thefirst end of the body, and a second loop coupled to the second end ofthe body; and releasably coupling each loop to a seat to support theuser's head against the seat.

In at least one embodiment, releasably coupling the device to a seatincludes releasably coupling the device to a head rest portion of theseat.

In at least one embodiment, releasably coupling the device to a seatincludes releasably coupling the device to one or more lobes of a headrest portion of the seat.

In a broad aspect, a head support device is described herein. The headsupport device includes a headband having a first end, a second endopposed to the first end, an inner surface and an outer surface. Each ofthe inner surface and the outer surface extends between the first endand the second end of the device. The inner surface is configured torest against at least a portion of a user's head and support the user'shead in an upright position. The device also includes at least onesupport strap configured to be releasably secured to a seat andreleasably secured to the headband. The support strap is configured toform a loop around at least a portion of the seat to releasably securethe support strap to the seat.

In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the support strap ispositioned between the user and the seat surface when forming the looparound at least a portion of the seat.

In at least one embodiment, the headband includes at least one securingelement to releasably secure the headband to the support strap.

In at least one embodiment, the securing element is positioned on theinner surface of the headband.

In at least one embodiment, the headband includes two securing elements,one securing element positioned at each end of the headband toreleasably secure the headband to the support strap.

In at least one embodiment, each of the securing elements is positionedon the inner surface of the headband.

In at least one embodiment, the headband is configured to releasablysecure to the support strap at a position rearward of the user's head.

In at least one embodiment, the headband is configured to releasablysecure to the support strap at a position forward of a rear surface ofthe seat.

In at least one embodiment, the support strap is configured to bereleasably secured to headband on an outer surface of the support strap.

In at least one embodiment, the head support device includes a firstsupport strap and a second support strap, each of the first supportstrap and the second support strap being configured to: be releasablysecured to the headband; and form a loop around at least a portion ofthe seat to be releasably secured to the seat.

In at least one embodiment, the headband includes a first securingelement positioned at a first end of the headband and a second securingelement positioned at a second end of the head band, the first securingelement being configured to releasably secure the first end of theheadband to the first support strap and the second securing elementbeing configured to releasably secure the second end of the headband tothe second support strap.

In at least one embodiment, each of the securing elements is positionedon the inner surface of the headband.

In at least one embodiment, an outer surface of the first support strapand an outer surface of the second support strap are each configured tobe releasably secured to the inner surface of the headband.

In at least one embodiment, the headband is made of a flexible material.

In at least one embodiment, the support strap is made of a stretchablematerial.

These and other features and advantages of the present application willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken togetherwith the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, thatthe detailed description and the specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the application, are given by way ofillustration only, since various changes and modifications within thespirit and scope of the application will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein,and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carriedinto effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to theaccompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, andwhich are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit thescope of the teachings described herein.

FIG. 1 shows an image of a head support device according to at least oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an image of a head support device according to at least oneembodiment in a first configuration.

FIG. 3 shows an image of the head support device of FIG. 2 in a secondconfiguration.

FIG. 4 shows an image of a head support device according to at least oneembodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an image of the head support device of FIG. 3 includingdimensions of the head support device.

FIG. 6 shows an image of a head support device according to at least oneembodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an image of a head support device according to at least oneembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an image of a head support device according to at least oneembodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an image of a head support device according to at least oneembodiment.

FIGS. 10A-10D show images of a head support device, according to atleast one embodiment.

FIG. 11A shows an image of a user seated in a seat and using a headsupport device, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 11B shows an image of an outer surface of a headband of the headsupport device of FIG. 11A, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 11C shows an image of an inner surface of the headband of FIG. 11B,according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 11D shows an image of a support strap of the head support device ofFIG. 11A, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 12A shows an image of a user seated in a seat and using a headsupport device of FIG. 11A, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12B shows an image of support strap of the device shown in FIG.12A, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 12C shows an image of two support straps of FIG. 12B on a seatback.

The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, furtherdescribed below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings arenot intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings in any way.Also, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements maybe exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further aspectsand features of the example embodiments described herein will appearfrom the following description taken together with the accompanyingdrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various devices and methods will be described below to provide anexample of each claimed embodiment. No embodiment described below limitsany claimed embodiment and any claimed embodiment may cover devices ormethods that differ from those described below. The claimed embodimentsare not limited to devices or methods having all of the features of anyone device or method described below or to features common to multipleor all of the devices or methods described below.

Furthermore, it is possible that a device or method described below isnot an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter thatis disclosed in a device or method described herein that is not claimedin this document may be the subject matter of another protectiveinstrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and theapplicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon,disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosurein this document.

It will also be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments describedherein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the example embodiments described herein may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as notto obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, thedescription is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the exampleembodiments described herein.

It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about”and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviationof the modified term such that the result is not significantly changed.These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation ofthe modified term, such as 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10%, for example, if thisdeviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

It should be noted that the term “coupled” used herein indicates thattwo elements can be directly coupled to one another or coupled to oneanother through one or more intermediate elements.

It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and/or” isintended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intendedto mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/orZ” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

The following description is not intended to limit or define any claimedor as yet unclaimed subject matter. Subject matter that may be claimedmay reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements orprocess steps disclosed in any part of this document including itsclaims and figures. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by a personskilled in the art that an apparatus, system or method disclosed inaccordance with the teachings herein may embody any one or more of thefeatures contained herein and that the features may be used in anyparticular combination or sub-combination that is physically feasibleand realizable for its intended purpose.

Generally, head support devices and methods of supporting a head whilesitting in a seat are described herein. Generally, the head supportdevices described herein facilitate adjustable support of a user's headwith respect to an upper back or headrest portion of a seat. The headsupport devices described herein are generally conformable for use onvehicle seats such as but not limited to airplane seats, car seats,train seats, RV seats, and children's car seats, as well as strollers.The head support devices described herein may therefore provide for auser to fall sleep in said vehicle seat and maintain an upright positionof their head.

In some embodiments of the head support devices described herein, thehead support devices can be worn alone or used with other headwear, suchas, for example, baseball-style or beanie/ski cap-style headwear,headbands, hooded clothing, other similar head wear and/or eye glasses.Moreover, the head support devices described herein are generally soft,comfortable, compact, and easily stored, for example in a small bag orin a jacket pocket.

The head support devices described herein can be placed on a user's headand installed (e.g. releasably coupled) over or around at least aportion of a back of a seat. The head support devices described hereinare generally flexible and have elasticity or stretchability to conformto at least a front portion of a user's head as well as to inhibitmovement (e.g. lateral movement and/or forward and backward (e.g.longitudinal) movement of the user's head when the head support isreleasably secured to a portion such as but not limited to a head restor back rest of a seat. In this relation, it is desirable that theelastic material is strong enough to hold the head up comfortablywithout falling forward or side-to-side. For instance, the elasticmaterial may include any one or more of elastic, nylon, LYCRA® orspandex materials.

Turning to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a head support device 100.Device 100 includes a headband portion 102 having a first end 104, asecond end 106 opposed to the first end 104, an inner surface 108 and anouter surface 110, each of the inner surface 108 and the outer surface110 extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106. At leasta first portion 112 of inner surface 108 is configured to rest againstat least a portion of a user's head. In some embodiments, at least asecond portion 114 of inner surface 108, the second portion 114 beingopposed to the first portion 112 of inner surface 108, being configuredto rest against a portion of a seat (not shown).

Headband portion 102 is generally stretchable and configured to restagainst at least a portion of a user's head. For instance, the headbandportion 102 may rest against the user's head at a forehead or eye level.

Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a head support device 200according to another embodiment. As noted above with respect to FIG. 1,head support device 200 headband portion 202 is generally stretchableand configured to rest against at least a portion of a user's head. Forinstance, the headband portion 202 may rest against the user's head at aforehead or eye level. In this embodiment, device 200 includes a firstloop 220 coupled to the first end 204 of the headband portion 202 and asecond loop 222 coupled to the second end 206 of the headband portion202. First loop 220 and second loop 222 are each configured toreleasably couple to at least a portion of a seat. For instance, in someembodiments, first loop 220 and second loop 222 may be configured tosubstantially surround an upper portion of a seat (not shown), such asbut not limited to a head rest of the seat or a lobe continuous withand/or extending outwardly from a side of the head rest of the seat.FIG. 3 shows another image of the device 200 of FIG. 2.

Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, shown therein is another embodiment of a headsupport device 400. The head support device 400 includes a headbandportion 402 that, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3,terminates at one or more loops 320, 322. The loops 320, 322 aregenerally coupled to or positioned on opposed sides of the headbandportion 302. For instance, in some embodiments, the loops 320, 322 maybe stitched to the headband portion 302. As shown in FIG. 5, in someembodiments, the loops 320, 322 may have a thickness that is about 3.5″,have a length of about 7.5″, and the headband portion may have a widthof about 1.5″. In some embodiments, the headband portion may have alength that is about 8″. In other embodiments described below, thelength of the headband portion may be adjustable.

FIGS. 6-9 show embodiments of head support devices 600-900,respectively, that include an adjusting mechanism to provide for eachrespective head support device to adjust in length (e.g. to provide forthe length of each headband portion of each device to be adjustable).

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the adjusting mechanism 630 may includeat least one strap (e.g. Velcro™) coupled to the headband portion 602and/or to the one or more loops 620, 622. For instance, as shown in FIG.6, a hook strap 632 may be coupled to loop 620 and one or more loopstraps may be coupled to the headband portion 602. In other embodiments,a hook strap 632 may be coupled to headband portion 602 and one or moreloop straps may be coupled to the loop 620. Coupling the hook strap 632to one of the one or more loop straps 634 provides for adjusting alength of the headband portion 602.

Head support device 700 shown in FIG. 7 includes an adjusting mechanism730 including at least one strap (e.g. Velcro™) coupled to the headbandportion 702 and/or to the one or more loops 720, 722. As shown in FIG.7, the strap 731 includes a hook portion 732 integral with a loopportion 734. The hook portion 731 is fixedly coupled to at least aportion of the headband portion 702 and the loop portion 734 is a freeend that engages (e.g. inserts through a slot of) one of the loops 720,722 of the device 700. Drawing the loop portion 734 though the slot andreleasably attaching the loop portion 734 to the hook portion 732provides for adjusting a length of the headband portion 702. The hookportion 732 may be coupled to an outer surface of the headband portion702.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a head support device 800 similar tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 6, where the straps of FIG. 6 are replacedwith snaps or buttons. Here, adjusting mechanism 830 includes aplurality of snaps 836, each snap including a male portion 836 a and afemale portion 836 b. One of the male portion 836 a and the femaleportion 836 b is fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the headbandportion 802 and the other of the male portion 836 a and the femaleportion 836 b is fixedly coupled to one of the first loop 820 and thesecond loop 822.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a head support device 900 similar tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, head support device 900shown in FIG. 9 includes an adjusting mechanism 930 including at leastone strap (e.g. Velcro™) coupled to the headband portion 902 and/or tothe one or more loops 920, 922. As shown in FIG. 9, the strap 931includes a hook portion 932 integral with a loop portion 934. The hookportion 932 is fixedly coupled to at least a portion of the headbandportion 902 and the loop portion 934 is a free end that engages (e.g.inserts through a slot of) one of the loops 920, 922 of the device 900.Drawing the loop portion 934 though the slot and releasably attachingthe loop portion 934 to the hook portion 932 provides for adjusting alength of the headband portion 902. The hook portion 932 may be coupledto an outer surface of the headband portion 902. At least a portion ofthe hook portion 932 may also be coupled to an outer surface of one ofthe loops 920, 922.

In some embodiments, a method of supporting a user's head against a seatis provided herein. The method includes: placing at least a portion ofthe user's head against an inner surface of at least a portion of a headsupport device, the head support device including a headband portionhaving two opposed ends; twisting each opposed end of the headbandportion of the head support device to form a loop; and releasablycoupling each loop to a seat to support the user's head against theseat.

In some embodiments, another method of supporting a user's head againsta seat is described herein. The method includes: placing at least aportion of the user's head against an inner surface of at least aportion of a head support device, the head support device including aheadband portion having two opposed ends, a first loop coupled to thefirst end of the body, and a second loop coupled to the second end ofthe body; and releasably coupling each loop to a seat to support theuser's head against the seat.

FIGS. 10A-10D shown another embodiment of a head support device 1000. Inthis embodiment, headband portion 1002 includes an adjusting mechanism1030 configured as two Velcro™ strips 1050, 1051 (e.g. one being a hookstrip 1050 and the other being a loop strip 1051, see for example FIG.10D)). By pressing the strips 1050, 1051 against each other, the lengthof headband portion 1002 can be selected. Adjusting mechanism 1030 alsoprovides for at least one of the loops 1020, 1022 to be removable fromthe headband portion 1002. In the embodiment shown, device 1000 includesone adjusting mechanism 1030, however, in some embodiments, device 1000include two adjusting mechanisms 1030 to provide for each of loops 1020,1022 to be removable.

Headband portion 1002 Head support device 1000 also includes a facecontacting portion 1060. Face contacting portion 1060 has a width W thatis generally greater than a width of the headband portion 1002 toprovide for the face contacting portion 1060 to cover a user's faceduring use (e.g. forehead or eyes). Face contacting portion 1060 isgenerally made of a non-stretchable fabric (e.g. such as but not limitedto felt or the like) to provide comfort to the user's face during use.The headband portion 1002 is generally made of a stretchable fabric.Further, although there is no backing on the embodiment shown in FIGS.10A-1D, the face contacting portion 1060 may also include a backing sothat the face contacting portion 1060 and the backing sandwich the endsof the headband portion 1002 (e.g. for aesthetic purposes).

Turning to FIGS. 11A-11D, illustrated therein are components of anotherembodiment of a head support device 1100. FIG. 11A shows one embodimentof support device 1100 having a headband 1102 for contacting a user'sface and supporting a user's head in an upright position (e.g. against aseat) and a support strap 1104 being releasably secured to a seat backof a seat.

Headband 1102 is configured to be releasably secured to the supportstrap 1104. FIG. 11B shows an image of an outer surface 1109 of theheadband 1102, according to at least one embodiment and FIG. 11C showsan image of an inner surface 1107 of the headband 1102, according to atleast one embodiment.

Head support device 1100 also includes one or more support straps 1104for releasably securing to the headband 1102 to secure the headband 1102to a seat (e.g. a seat back) to provide for the headband 1102 to supportthe user's head in an upright position. FIG. 11D shows an image of asupport strap 1104, according to at least one embodiment.

In at least one embodiment, headband 1102 is a flexible band that ismade of a flexible material (i.e. a material that has a degree ofelasticity to provide for the headband 1102 to stretch slightly (e.g. toa length in a range of about 10% to about 50% longer than itsunstretched length). The elasticity of the headband 1102 provides gentlecomfort and support to the user. Headband 1102 is also generally made ofa suitably opaque material that is soft against the person's skin. Theopaque material inhibits light passage and provides for a user toexperience darkness when the headband 1102 is covering their eyes. Oneexample of such a material is Repreve®. Headband 1102 generally has alength that provides a degree of tension on the user's head when theheadband 1102 is releasably secured to the support strap 1104 thatlimits sudden forward jerks of the head that can happen during napping.

Head support device 1100 may be employed by a user (e.g. a passenger)while sitting in a high-backed seat. The seat may be a plane seat or atrain seat, for example, or any other seat that has a back with a heightthat is about as high as a person's head when that person is sitting inthe seat. In at least one embodiment, the head support device 1100 maybe appropriate for use with a seat that is typically adjacent to one ormore other seats of similar structure. In this case, gaps betweenadjacent seats may permit support strap 1104 to be placed around anupper portion of the seat (e.g. horizontally around a seat back, such asbut not limited to a head rest portion, of the seat). The height atwhich support strap 1104 is placed around the seat back of the seat bythe user can be readily adjusted so that it lies even with the foreheadof the person or lies even with an eye level of the person. Accordingly,support strap 1104 should have a sufficient length to encircle at leasta portion of a seat back of the seat.

In at least one embodiment, support strap 1104 can be made adjustable toprovide a tighter or looser fit as it forms a loop around the seat backof the seat. In at least one embodiment, support strap 1104 may be madeof a stretchable material (i.e. a material that it stretchable to anelongated length that is in a range of about 110% to about 170% of itsunstretched, relaxed state length) that provides for conforming to theseat back of the seat when the support strap 1104 forms a loop andencircles at least a portion of a seat back of the seat. Further,support strap 1104 should be made of a material that is soft enough toprovide comfort to the user if the back of the user's head rests againstthe outer surface of the support strap 1104 when the support strap 1104forms a loop and encircles at least a portion of the seat back of theseat. In at least one embodiment, the support strap 1104 may have anouter surface that is covered with loops to provide for the headband1102 to releasably secure to various portions of the outer surface ofthe support strap 1104. One example of such a material is VELSTRETCH®Brand Elastic Loop.

Headband 1102 has a first end 1103, a second end 1105 opposed to thefirst end 1103, an inner surface 1107 and an outer surface 1109. Each ofthe inner surface 1107 and the outer surface 1109 extend between thefirst end 1103 and the second end 1105 of the headband 1102. Innersurface 1107 is configured to rest against at least a portion of auser's head (see FIG. 11A) and support the user's head in an uprightposition when headband 1102 is releasably secured to the support strap1104.

Support strap 1104 is configured to be releasably secured to a seat (seeFIG. 11A) and releasably secured to the headband 1102 (see FIG. 11A).Support strap 1104 forms a loop around at least an upper portion of aseat to releasably secure the support strap 1104 to the seat.

In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the support strap 1104is positioned between the user and the seat surface when forming a looparound at least a portion of the seat.

In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 includes at least onesecuring element 1110 to releasably secure the headband to the supportstrap. Securing element 1110 may be positioned on the inner surface 1107of the headband 1102 (see FIG. 11C).

In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 includes two securingelements 1110. One securing element 1110 may be positioned at each end1103, 1105 of the headband 1102 to releasably secure the headband 1102to the support strap 1104. Each of the securing elements 1110 may bepositioned on the inner surface 1107 of the headband 1102.

In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured toreleasably secure to the support strap 1104 at a position rearward ofthe user's head. For instance, the headband 1102 generally has a lengthsufficient enough to have an inner surface 1107 be placed against aforehead, or covering the eyes, of a user and have each end 1103, 1105of the headband 1102 extend rearwardly of the user to releasably coupleto the one or more support straps 1104. In at least one embodiment, theheadband 1102 is configured to releasably secure to the one or moresupport straps 1104 at a position forward of a rear surface of the seat.In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured toreleasably secure to the one or more support straps 1104 at a positionrearward of a rear surface of the seat. Releasably securing the headband1102 to the support strap 1104 at a position rearward of the user's headmay provide for the support strap 1104 to remain rearward of the user'shead and releasably secured to an upper portion of the seat (e.g. a seatback of the seat). Further, releasably securing the headband 1102 to thesupport strap 1104 at a position rearward of the user's head may providefor securing elements 1110 to be positioned away from a front portion ofthe user's head (e.g. rearward of the user's head) and/or away from aside portion of the user's head (e.g. laterally spaced away from thesides of the user's head), thereby providing comfort for the user.

Support strap 1104 is typically made of a material that is more durablethan the soft, comfortable material of the headband 1102 to providesupport to the headband 1102 and/or the user. Support strap 1104 may beone integral, stretchable piece that forms a loop or may have two freeends and include a tightening mechanism and/or a securing mechanism(e.g. Velcro®) to form a loop around a seat back or a portion of a seatback.

In at least one embodiment, the support strap 1104 is configured to bereleasably secured to headband 1102 on an outer surface 1112 of thesupport strap 1104. FIG. 11D shows outer surface 1112 of the supportstrap 1104, according to at least one embodiment. In at least oneembodiment, outer surface 1112 may be covered with loops to provide forthe securing elements 1110 (e.g. hooks) of the headband 1102 toreleasably secure to various positions on the outer surface 1112 of thesupport strap 1104. In at least one embodiment, patches of loops may beprovided to the outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104 to providefor the headband 1102 to be releasably secured to the support strap1102. Being able to releasably secure the headband 1102 to variouspositions on the outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104 mayprovide for a user to selectively apply a degree of tension on theuser's head by the headband 1102 when the headband 1102 is releasablysecured to the support strap 1104. Being able to releasably secure theheadband 1102 to various positions on the outer surface 1112 of thesupport strap 1104 may provide for the device 1100 to accommodate user'swith various sizes of heads and various seat configurations (e.g.various sizes and/or shapes of seat backs of seats).

Turning to FIG. 12A, shown therein is an embodiment of support device1100 including two support straps 1104 a, 1104 b (see also FIG. 12B andFIG. 12C). One embodiment of a first support strap 1104 a is shown inFIG. 12B. Each of the first support strap 1104 a and the second supportstrap 1104 b are configured to be releasably secured to the headband1102 and to form a loop around at least a portion of a seat to bereleasably secured to the seat. For example, each support strap 1104 a,104 b may form a loop vertically around an upper portion of a seat back,such as but not limited to a lobe of a head rest of a seat back.

In at least one embodiment, headband 1102 may be a first securingelement 1110 positioned at first end 1103 of the headband 1102 and asecond securing element 1110 positioned at second end 1105 of theheadband 1102. First securing element 1110 may be configured toreleasably secure the first end 1103 of the headband 1102 to the firstsupport strap 1104 a and the second securing element 1110 may beconfigured to releasably secure the second end 1105 of the headband 1102to the second support strap 1104 b. In at least one embodiment, each ofthe securing elements 1110 may be positioned on the inner surface 1107of the headband 1102 (see FIG. 11B) such that the inner surface 1107 ofthe headband overlays at least a portion of the outer surfaces 1112 a,1112 b of the first support strap 1104 a and the second support strap1104 b when the headband 1102 is releasably secured to the first supportstrap 1104 a and the second support strap 1104 b.

In at least one embodiment, outer surface 1112 a of the first supportstrap 1104 a and an outer surface 1112 b of the second support strap1104 b may each be configured to be releasably secured to the innersurface 1107 of the headband 1102.

In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured toreleasably secure to the one or more support straps 1104 a, 1104 b at aposition rearward of front surface of the seat. In at least oneembodiment, the headband 1102 is configured to releasably secure to theone or more support straps 1104 a, 1104 b at a position rearward of arear surface of a lobe of a head rest of a seat (see, for example, FIG.12C).

In at least one embodiment, the outer surfaces 1112 a, 1112 b of thesupport straps 1104 a, 1104 b, respectively, may be covered with loopsto provide for the securing elements 1110 (e.g. hooks) of the headband1102 to releasably secure to various positions on the outer surfaces1112 a, 1112 b of the support straps 1104 a, 1104 b. In at least oneembodiment, patches of loops may be provided to the outer surfaces 1112a, 1112 b of the support straps 1104 a, 1104 b to provide for theheadband 1102 to be releasably secured to the support straps 1104 a,1104 b. In at least one embodiment, one or more patches 1114 of loopsmay be coupled (e.g. stitched) to the support straps 1104 a, 1104 b toprovide a surface for the headband 1102 to be releasably secured to thesupport strap 1102. The one or more patches 1113 of loops may overlaythe outer surfaces 1112 a, 1112 b of the support straps 1104 a, 1104 bor may extend laterally from the support straps 1104 a, 1104 b. Oneexample of a patch 1113 extending laterally from support strap 1104 b isshown in FIG. 12B.

While the applicant's teachings described herein are in conjunction withvarious embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended thatthe applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments as theembodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On thecontrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated hereinencompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, withoutdeparting from the embodiments described herein, the general scope ofwhich is defined in the appended claims.

1. A head support device for supporting a user's head against a seat,the head support device comprising: a headband having a first end, asecond end opposed to the first end, an inner surface and an outersurface, each of the inner surface and the outer surface extendingbetween the first end and the second end, the inner surface beingconfigured to rest against at least a portion of the user's head andsupport the user's head in an upright position; and at least one supportstrap configured to be releasably secured to the seat and releasablysecured to the headband, the support strap being configured to form aloop around at least a portion of the seat to releasably secure thesupport strap to the seat.
 2. The head support device of claim 1,wherein at least a portion of the support strap is positioned betweenthe user and the seat surface when forming the loop around at least aportion of the seat.
 3. The head support device of claim 1, wherein theheadband includes at least one securing element to releasably secure theheadband to the support strap.
 4. The head support device of claim 3,wherein the securing element is positioned on the inner surface of theheadband.
 5. The head support device of claim 1, wherein the headbandincludes two securing elements, one securing element positioned at eachend of the headband to releasably secure the headband to the supportstrap.
 6. The head support device of claim 5, wherein each of thesecuring elements is positioned on the inner surface of the headband. 7.The head support device of claim 1, wherein the headband is configuredto releasably secure to the support strap at a position rearward of theuser's head.
 8. The head support device of claim 1, wherein the headbandis configured to releasably secure to the support strap at a positionforward of a rear surface of the seat.
 9. The head support device ofclaim 1, wherein the support strap is configured to be releasablysecured to headband on an outer surface of the support strap.
 10. Thehead support device of claim 1, wherein the head support device includesa first support strap and a second support strap, each of the firstsupport strap and the second support strap being configured to: bereleasably secured to the headband; and form a loop around at least aportion of the seat to be releasably secured to the seat.
 11. The headsupport device of claim 10, wherein the headband includes a firstsecuring element positioned at a first end of the headband and a secondsecuring element positioned at a second end of the head band, the firstsecuring element being configured to releasably secure the first end ofthe headband to the first support strap and the second securing elementbeing configured to releasably secure the second end of the headband tothe second support strap.
 12. The head support device of claim 11,wherein each of the securing elements is positioned on the inner surfaceof the headband.
 13. The head support device of claim 12, wherein anouter surface of the first support strap and an outer surface of thesecond support strap are each configured to be releasably secured to theinner surface of the headband.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled) 16.(canceled)
 17. The head support device of claim 1, wherein the headbandportion comprises an elastic material configured to conform to at leasta portion of the user's head.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. The headsupport device of claim 1 further comprising an adjusting mechanism toadjust the length of the head band portion.
 21. (canceled) 22.(canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. The head support device of claim 10,wherein the first support strap and the second support strap areconfigured to releasably couple to a head rest portion of the seat. 30.The head support device of claim 10, wherein the first support strap andthe second support strap are each configured to releasably couple to arespective lobe of a head rest portion of the seat.
 31. (canceled)
 32. Amethod of supporting a user's head against a seat, the methodcomprising: placing at least a portion of the user's head against aninner surface of a headband portion of a head support device, the headsupport device including the headband portion having two opposed ends, afirst support strap coupled to the first end of the headband portion,and a second support strap coupled to the second end of the headbandportion; and releasably coupling each support strap to the seat tosupport the user's head against the seat.
 33. The method of claim 32,wherein releasably coupling each support strap of the device to the seatincludes releasably coupling each support strap of the device to a headrest portion of the seat.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein releasablycoupling each support strap of the device to the seat includesreleasably coupling each support strap of the device to one or morelobes of a head rest portion of the seat.